Test methods for Self-Compacting Concrete (SCC)

Published 28/02/2006

Last updated 08/06/2011

he use of Self-Compacting Concrete (SCC) takes place on an increasing basis in the Scandinavian countries due to advantages relating to better working environment (noise and vibration), higher productivity (faster casting), and better quality (fewer mistakes caused by wrongful vibration).

However, if the properties of SCC are to be documented on a legal basis using the existing standard test methods meant for conventional concrete it will have to be done using vibration, i.e. in a fashion that goes against the very basic idea of SCC - that the concrete compacts by its own weight without mechanical treatment.

The Nordic concrete industry is therefore in need of methods for documenting fresh SCC, and the main objective of this NICe project on “Test methods for self-compacting concrete” was therefore to recommend which methods to use in the daily quality control at the concrete production site, by proposing a Nordtest NT BUILD method.

The proposed Nordtest method represents an offer to the concrete industryand standardizing bodies. They now have the possibility to specifyand perform documentation of SCC based on test method that specificallyaddress the unique characteristics of SCC.

Subsequently, through communication of the Nordtest NT BUILD method to the relevant European committees and national Nordic standardization committees, the outcome of this project will hopefully contribute to a futurecommon European standard.